Gloucester
Docks
Gloucester is an old Roman city. Its choice as a major
centre for Roman occupation would have been based
on its proximity to the River Severn. Gloucester Docks
were once a hive of Industrial activity. Local products
such as wool, cloth, agricultural products and iron
would have been shipped from here in medieval times.
In 1580 Queen Elizabeth I bestowed upon Gloucester
the status of a port and a new customs house was opened.
This new status led to the expansion of Gloucester
Docks and in the 1800's this was a busy and influential
port for the region. The addition of a canal enabled
the larger ships to travel without restrictions of
the tidal flow. This canal runs from Berkeley directly
to the Docks.
Gloucester Docks is one of the main attractions of
the city of Gloucester. Old warehouses have now been
converted and where there was once decay and dereliction,
there is now a new kind of activity and renaissance
of the shipping that these docks were famous for.
Today you will see leisure cruises, canal boats, motor
launches and an array of shipping passing in and out
of Gloucester Docks. Gloucester has done a fine job
in revitalising its dockyard and utilising existing
buildings for the purposes of museums, antique shops,
restaurants and retail outlets.
The main attractions here are the National Waterways
Museum, the shopping complex with its gift shops and
woollen wares, the antique shops and the Gloucester
Regiment Military Museum. Tall ships are seen from
time to time at Gloucester Docks and the 'Onedin Line'
was filmed here. Allow at least half a day for a visit
round the Gloucester Docks. Ideal for families with
small children. A river cruise should keep them amused
for a while.
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